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CORONAVIRUS

Oregon urges return to mask wearing as hospitals feel strain

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon health officials are urging people in 21 counties with high COVID-19 cases — including the three Portland-area counties — to return to mask wearing because the hospital system is again under extreme strain. While COVID-19 hospitalizations are lower than past surges, staff shortages, patients who delayed care and elevated COVID-19 infections have substantially reduced hospital systems' capacity to care for patients, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Oregon Health Authority epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger on Wednesday asked Oregonians to wear ...

Biden tests positive for COVID-19, has ‘very mild symptoms’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and went into isolation with mild symptoms. White House officials went all-out to show that the 79-year-old U.S. leader could power through the virus and keep working because he was vaccinated and boosted. In a navy blazer and Oxford shirt, Biden recorded a video on a White House balcony to send the message that he would be fine and the country should stay calm and carry on. He recognizes the pandemic as a national trauma that has killed more than one million Americans and alarmed millions more, and his ...

Hy-Vee offering COVID-19 test-to-treat services

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — All Hy-Vee pharmacies now offer test-to-treat COVID-19 services using the COVID-19 antiviral, PAXLOVID, to help treat mild-to-moderate cases, the company announced Tuesday. Earlier this month, the FDA authorized state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe PAXLOVID to eligible patients ages 12 and older, with certain limitations. In order to be prescribed PAXLOVID, patients must test positive for COVID-19. Select Hy-Vee pharmacy locations offer rapid PCR COVID-19 testing (by appointment only) with same-day test results. All Hy-Vee pharmacies offer ...

Trial delayed for man pictured in Pelosi’s office at riot

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A federal trial has been delayed for an Arkansas man who was photographed with his feet on a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office during the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot. A federal judge on Monday moved the trial for Richard Barnett, of Gravette, from Sept. 6 to Dec. 12. The delay was requested because Barnett's attorney has been recovering from COVID-19 and Lyme disease. Barnett was among supporters of President Donald Trump who stormed the Capitol as lawmakers assembled to certify Joe Biden's victory over Trump. Prosecutors say Barnett was carrying a ...

Jan. 6 panel chairman has COVID, prime-time hearing still on

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Jan. 6 committee, has tested positive for COVID-19, but the panel will still hold its prime-time hearing on Thursday, according to a spokesman for the panel. Thompson, D-Miss., announced Tuesday that he tested positive for the virus on Monday and is experiencing mild symptoms. Thompson, 74, said he will be isolating for the next several days, but Jan. 6 committee spokesman Tim Mulvey said the committee's eighth hearing this summer will proceed. He did not say if Thompson will participate virtually. The news of Thompson's ...

UK to offer 4th COVID-19 vaccine shot to all 50 and over

LONDON (AP) — The British government said Friday that everyone 50 or over will be offered a fourth dose of coronavirus vaccine in the fall, lowering the age threshold from the previously announced 65. The Department of Health said it had accepted advice from the U.K.'s independent vaccines adviser about the autumn booster program. Fourth doses will also be given to health care workers, nursing home staff and residents, and all those aged 5 and up with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. Most of the same groups will also get a free flu ...